System for evenly winding a hose on a reel

ABSTRACT

A system for evenly winding a hose on a reel, is provided, using the hose as a belt for the transmission of the evening motion.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system for evenly winding a hose on a reel, and more particularly to a system which uses the hose as a belt for the transmission of the evening motion.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a hose and reel system 10 comprising a hose 12 wound on a reel 14. The reel 14 defines a coordinate system of linear coordinates x;y;z and a rotation ρ around the x-axis, and is adapted for a rotation in the ρ direction, around the x-axis, for winding the hose 12 on the reel 14.

Additionally, the reel 14 defines first and second sides 16 and 18, respectively. In order for the hose 12 to wind evenly on the reel 14 and not pile up at one side or the other, when winding, the hose 12 is made to move in an oscillatory motion, in the ±x directions between sides 16 and 18, as shown by an arrow 15.

Various mechanisms are known for producing the oscillatory motion of hose 12, for even winding, as described by the arrow 15.

For example, FIGS. 2A-2B schematically illustrate a rotating shaft system 20, for providing the oscillatory motion of the hose 12.

As seen in FIG. 2A, the rotating shaft system 20 has a shaft 22, having a length axis along the x-axis. The shaft 22 is threaded by two threads of substantially identical dimensions, but opposite directions: a first thread 24, being a right-handed external thread, is wound in the direction ρ, and a second thread 26, being a left-handed external thread, is wound in the opposite direction −ρ, on the shaft 22. At ends 25 and 27, the first thread 24 and the second thread 26 communicate, so that an element moving on the thread 24 in the −x direction, towards the first end 25, will reverse its direction, upon reaching the first end 25 and begin to move the +x direction, on the second thread 26. Similarly, upon reaching the second end 27, the element will again reverse its direction and begin to move in the −x direction, on the first thread 24.

A motion transmission mechanism 28, for example, a gear 28, causes the shaft 22 to rotate in a single direction around the x-axis, for example, in the direction ρ. A hose carrier 30 is mounted on the shaft 22 and is adapted to move along it, in the ±x directions, on the threads 24 and 26, as shown by the arrow 15. The hose carrier 30 includes a slide 32 which stabilizes it and ensures that the carrier 30 moves only in the ±x directions of the arrow 15. Additionally, the hose carrier 30 includes a hose seat 34 wherein the hose 12 (FIG. 1) is inserted. When inserted the hose 12 moves with the hose carrier 30 in the ±x directions of the arrow 15.

As seen in FIG. 2B, an element 36, enclosed within a cylindrical housing 44 and a cap 42, is adapted to engage with the groves of the first and second external threads 24 and 26, as the shaft 22 rotates. The element 36 has an arched segment 38, serving as an internal thread, which may engage either with the first external thread 24 or with the second external thread 26. As the shaft 22 rotates in the direction ρ, the element 36 moves along either the first or the second external threads 24 and 26, transferring between them at the first end 25 and the second end 27, thus moving in an oscillatory motion, first in the −x direction, along the first thread 24, then in the +x direction, along the second thread 26, and so on, repeatedly, causing the hose 12 to wind evenly on the reel 14.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a reel system 40, for evenly winding the hose 12 (FIG. 1) on the reel 14, as known. The reel system 40 includes the rotating shaft system 20 operative for winding the hose 12 on the reel 14 evenly. In accordance with the present example, a gear system 46 transfers motion from the reel 14, to the shaft 22, causing shaft 22 to rotate. It will be appreciated that a belt system or any other motion transfer system, as known, may similarly be used. The motion of the reel 14 may be provided by a motor, by hand, or by any other means, as known.

However, the prior art systems require mechanical linking and structural connection between the gear or belt motion-transfer system and the shaft 22, and in consequence are cumbersome. A motion transfer system devoid of these limitations is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention successfully addresses the shortcomings of the presently known configurations by providing to a system for evenly winding a hose on a reel, and more particularly to a system which uses the hose as a belt for the transmission of the evening motion.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for evenly winding a hose on a reel, comprising:

a static shaft, which comprises:

-   -   a length, along an x-axis;     -   first and second ends, delimiting the length, between them;

a pulley, adapted to move on the shaft, along the x-axis, and further adapted to receive the hose, be made to rotate by the hose, thus converting a motion of the hose, in a direction substantially orthogonal to the x-axis, to the rotation of the pulley and as a result of the rotation, to an oscillatory motion in ±x directions, between the first and second ends.

In accordance with an additional aspect of the present invention, the shaft further includes first and second threads, running in opposite directions, and communicating between them at the first and second ends, so that an element moving along the first thread, towards the first end, will be transferred to the second thread at the first end, and an element moving along the second thread, towards the second end, will be transferred to the first thread at the second end; and

the pulley is annular, having an element with an arched segment, the arched element serving as an internal thread and being adapted for engagement with right-hand and left-hand external threads, so that when the pulley is made to rotate around the shaft, by the hose, the pulley moves in the oscillatory motion, in the ±x directions, between the first and second ends, on the first and second threads.

In accordance with an additional aspect of the present invention, the pulley has a patterned surface for creating high friction between the hose and the pulley.

In accordance with an additional aspect of the present invention, the pulley has an elastomer surface for creating high friction between the hose and the pulley.

In accordance with an alternative aspect of the present invention, the pulley has an elastomer and a patterned surface for creating high friction between the hose and the pulley.

In accordance with an alternative aspect of the present invention, the hose is ribbed and is operative as a toothed belt, and wherein the pulley is adapted to communicate with the ribbed hose, and is operative as a toothed-belt pulley.

In accordance with an alternative aspect of the present invention, the hose has a patterned surface, and the pulley has a complementary surface, adapted to engage with the hose.

In accordance with an alternative aspect of the present invention, the hose has a rough surface, for increased friction with the pulley.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for evenly winding a hose on a reel, comprising:

the reel, having a width along an x-axis, the reel being adapted for rotation, in a direction around the x-axis;

a motion provider, in mechanical communication with the reel, for rotating the reel around the x-axis;

the hose, having proximal and distal ends, with respect to the reel, wherein the proximal end is attached to the reel, so that the hose is wound on the reel as the reel is rotated by the motion provider; and

a device for evenly winding the hose on the reel, comprising:

-   -   a static shaft, which comprises:         -   a length, along the x-axis; and         -   first and second ends, delimiting the length, between them;             and     -   a pulley, adapted to move on the shaft, along the x-axis, and         further adapted to receive the hose, be made to rotate by the         hose, thus converting a motion of the hose, in a direction         substantially orthogonal to the x-axis, to the rotation of the         pulley and as a result of the rotation, to an oscillatory motion         in ±x directions, between the first and second ends,

so that as the reel is rotated, by the motion provider, the hose is pulled by the reel and is wound on the reel, moving in the direction substantially orthogonal to the x-axis, thus rotating the pulley and causing it to move in the oscillatory motion of the ±x directions, between the first and second ends, wherein the hose, received by the pulley, moves with the pulley in the ±x directions, between the first and second ends, so as to wind on the reel, evenly along the x-axis.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for evenly winding a hose on a reel, comprising:

providing a system for evenly winding the hose on the reel, which comprises:

-   -   the reel, having a width along an x-axis, the reel being adapted         for rotation, in a direction around the x-axis;     -   a motion provider, in mechanical communication with the reel,         for rotating the reel around the x-axis;     -   the hose, having proximal and distal ends, with respect to the         reel, wherein the proximal end is attached to the reel, so that         the hose is wound on the reel as the reel is rotated by the         motion provider; and     -   a device for evenly winding the hose on the reel, comprising:         -   a static shaft, which comprises:             -   a length, along the x-axis;             -   first and second ends, delimiting the length, between                 them;         -   a pulley, adapted to move on the shaft, along the x-axis,             and further adapted to receive the hose, be made to rotate             by the hose, thus converting a motion of the hose, in a             direction substantially orthogonal to the x-axis, to the             rotation of the pulley and as a result of the rotation, to             an oscillatory motion in ±x directions, between the first             and second ends; and

rotating the reel, thus winding the hose on the reel, causing the pulley to rotate by the hose, and further causing the pulley to move in the oscillatory motion of the ±x directions, between the first and second ends, wherein the hose, received by the pulley, moves with the pulley in the ±x directions, between the first and second ends, so as to wind on the reel, evenly along the x-axis.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a hose and reel system, as known;

FIGS. 2A-2B schematically illustrate a rotating shaft system, for providing an oscillatory motion to a hose, for even winding, as known;

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a reel system 40, for evenly winding the hose 12 (FIG. 1) on the reel 14, as known;

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a device for evenly winding a hose on a reel, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A-5J schematically illustrate a device for evenly winding a hose on a reel, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A-6C schematically illustrate various pulley surfaces that may be employed by a device for evenly winding a hose on a reel, in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 7A and 7B schematically illustrate two basic arrangements between a pulley and a hose, for a device for evenly winding a hose on a reel, in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 8A-8C schematically illustrate a spring arrangement for pressing a hose against a pulley, for operation with a device for evenly winding a hose on a reel, in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a system for evenly winding a hose on a reel, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is of a system for evenly winding a hose on a reel, and more particularly to a system which uses the hose as a belt for the transmission of the evening motion.

The principles and operation of the device for evenly winding a hose on a reel, according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and accompanying descriptions.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a device 50 for evenly winding the hose 12 on the reel 14, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The device 50 is designed for using the hose 12 as a belt for the transmission of the evening motion. The device 50 includes:

a shaft 52, which comprises a length, L along the x-axis and first and second ends 54 and 56, delimiting the length L, between them; and

a pulley 58, adapted to move on the shaft 52, along the x-axis, and further adapted to receive the hose 12, be made to rotate by the hose 12, thus converting the motion of the hose, in a direction of an arrow 55, substantially orthogonal to the x-axis, to the rotation of the pulley 58 and as a result of the rotation, to an oscillatory motion in ±x directions, between the first and second ends 54 and 56, as shown by the arrow 15.

Referring further to the drawings, FIGS. 5A-5J schematically illustrate the device 50, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

As seen in FIG. 5A and 5B, the shaft 52 further includes first and second threads 64 and 66, running in opposite directions, and communicating between them at the first and second ends 54 and 56, so that an element (not shown) moving along the first thread 64, towards the first end 54, will be transferred to the second thread 66 at the first end 54, and an element moving along the second thread 66, towards the second end 56, will be transferred to the first thread 64 at the second end 56.

As seen in FIG. 5A and 5C, the pulley 58 is annular and is adapted to fit over the shaft 52, and move along the shaft 52.

As seen in FIG. 5A and 5D, a arched element 62 fits within a socket 68 of the pulley 58. The arched element 62 is similar in construction to the element 36 of FIGS. 2A-2B, and has an arch 63 serving as an internal thread, which is adapted to engage with the first and second external threads 64 and 66 of the shaft 52, and is further adapted to move from the first thread 64 to the second thread 66, at the first end 54, and from the second thread 66 to the first thread 64, at the second end 56.

The structure and operation of the arched element 62 are described in FIGS. 5G-5J.

As seen in FIG. 5G the arched element 62 includes the arched segment 63, having the geometry of an internal thread which may engage either with the first external thread 64 or with the second external thread 66.

FIG. 5H provides a side view of the pulley 58 and the socket 68, as well as the arched element 62. A cap (not shown) may keep the arched element 62 in the socket 68 and prevent it from moving in the +z direction, away from the pulley 58.

FIG. 5I schematically illustrates the arch 63, located in an angular position +α, adapted for engagement with the right-handed, first thread 64 of the shaft 52, leading to a rotation in a clockwise direction, and FIG. 5J schematically illustrates the arch 63, located in an angular position −α, adapted for engagement with the left-handed second thread 66 of the shaft 52, leading to rotation in a counterclockwise direction, by the arched element 62.

Thus, when the pulley 58 is made to rotate around the shaft 52, by the hose 12 (FIG. 4), in the direction of ρ, the arched element 62, fitted in socket 68, and being engaged with either the right-handed, first thread 64 or the left-handed second thread 66, forces the pulley to move in the oscillatory motion, in the ±x directions, between the first and second ends 54 and 56, on the first and second threads 64 and 66 of the shaft 52. In consequence, the pulley 58 also moves in the oscillatory motion, in the ±x directions, between the first and second ends 54 and 56. Thus, the hose 12, received by the pulley 58 moves with the pulley 58, in the oscillatory motion, in the ±x directions, between the first and second ends 54 and 56.

As seen in FIG. 5A and 5E, the pulley 58 may be enclosed by a housing 78 for better containing the hose 12 which is received by it.

As seen in FIG. 5A and 5F, the device 50 further has a base 72, having end stops 74 and 76, for housing the shaft 52. It will be appreciated that unlike the system 20 of the prior art (FIGS. 2A-2B) the shaft 52 does not rotate. Rather, the pulley 58 rotates on the stationary shaft 52, the shaft 52 being fixed within the base 72.

Referring further to the drawings, FIGS. 6A-6C schematically illustrate various surfaces that may be employed on the pulley 58, for creating friction between the hose 12 and the pulley 58, in accordance with the present invention.

Since the hose 12 is operative as a belt, high frictional forces between the hose 12 and the pulley 58 is desired, to prevent slippage. The high frictional forces may be achieved by choosing surfaces of high frictional coefficients.

As seen in FIG. 6A, the pulley 58 may have groves 82 or another design for creating a rough surface to pulley 58.

As seen in FIG. 6B, the surface of the pulley 58 may be coated by an elastomer 86 such as natural or synthetic rubber, or the like, for creating a high-friction, essentially, non-slip surface.

As seen in FIG. 6C, the pulley 58 may be coated by an elastomer 86 such as natural or synthetic rubber, or the like, for creating a high-friction, essentially, non-slip surface, on which groves 88 or another pattern may be formed.

It will be appreciated that the hose 12 too may have a rough surface, for example, formed of ribs, or another pattern, in order to increase the friction between the hose 12 and the pulley 58.

It will be appreciated that many other patterns and surfaces may be employed for creating friction between the hose 12 and the pulley 58, to prevent slippage.

Referring further to the drawings, FIGS. 7A and 7B schematically illustrate two basic arrangements between the pulley 58 and the hose 12, in accordance with the present invention.

The hose 12, of a weight W, is moving in the direction of the arrow 55, as it is pulled by the reel 14, at a force F, having a vertical component F_(v). Given a coefficient of friction μ, then the frictional forces of the hose 12 on the pulley 58 are as follows:

As seen in FIG. 7A, the hose 12 is received by the pulley 58 above the pulley 58, wherein the pulley 58 rotates in the direction of an arrow 51. The normal force N excreted by the hose 12 on the pulley 58 is: N=W−F _(v)

and the frictional force of the hose 12 on the pulley 58 is: F _(FRICTION)=μ(W−F _(v))

As seen in FIG. 7B, the hose 12 is received by the pulley 58 under the pulley 58, wherein the pulley 58 rotates in the direction of an arrow 53. The normal force N excreted by the hose 12 on the pulley 58 is: N=F _(v) −W

and the frictional force of the hose 12 on the pulley 58 is: F _(FRICTION)=μ(F _(v) −W).

Thus the optimal arrangement must be evaluated specifically for each case, depending on the weight of the specific hose 12, an angle α by which the reel 14 pulls at the hose 12 and the force F of the reel 14.

Referring further to the drawings, FIGS. 8A-8C schematically illustrate a spring arrangement 92 for pressing the hose 12 against the pulley 58, for operation with the device 50 for evenly winding the hose 12 on the reel 14, in accordance with the present invention.

The spring arrangement 92 includes a spring 94, attached to a second pulley 98, via a pin 95 and a housing 96. The spring arrangement 92 is operative to maintain a pressure between the hose 12 and the pulley 58, thus increasing the normal force N (FIGS. 7A and 7B) of the hose 12 against the pulley 58, hence the frictional forces between the hose 12 and the pulley 58, preventing slippage of the hose 12 against the pulley 58, and providing a smooth operation of the device 50 (FIG. 5A).

Referring further to the drawings, FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a system 90 for evenly winding a hose on a reel, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The system 90 for evenly winding the hose 12 on the reel 14, comprises:

the reel 14, having a width along an x-axis, the reel 14 being adapted for rotation, in a direction ρ around the x-axis;

a motion provider (not shown), in mechanical communication with the reel 14, for rotating the reel 14 around the x-axis;

the hose 12, having proximal and distal ends, with respect to the reel 14, wherein the proximal end is attached to the reel 14, so that the hose 12 is wound on the reel 14 as the reel 14 is rotated by the motion provider; and

the device 50 for evenly winding the hose 12 on the reel 14, comprising:

-   -   the shaft 52, which comprises:         -   the length L, along the x-axis; and         -   the first and second ends 54 and 56, delimiting the length             L, between them; and     -   the pulley 58, adapted to move on the shaft 52, along the         x-axis, and further adapted to receive the hose 12, be made to         rotate by the hose 12, thus converting the motion of the hose         12, in a direction substantially orthogonal to the x-axis, to         the rotation of the pulley and as a result of the rotation, to         an oscillatory motion in ±x directions, between the first and         second ends 54 and 56, so that as the reel 14 is rotated, by the         motion provider, the hose 12 is pulled by the reel 14 and is         wound on the reel 14, moving in the direction substantially         orthogonal to the x-axis, thus rotating the pulley 58 and         causing it to move in the oscillatory motion of the ±x         directions, between the first and second ends 54 and 56, wherein         the hose 12, received by the pulley 58, moves with the pulley 58         in the ±x directions, between the first and second ends 54 and         56, so as to wind on the reel 14, evenly along the x-axis.

It will be appreciated that the pulley 58 may be any type of roller.

It is expected that during the life of this patent many relevant devices for evenly winding a hose on a reel will be developed and the scope of the term, a device for evenly winding a hose on a reel, is intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

As used herein the term “about” refers to ±20%.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, any citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. 

1. A device for evenly winding a hose on a reel, comprising: a static shaft, which comprises: a length, along an x-axis; first and second ends, delimiting said length, between them; a pulley, adapted to move on said shaft, along said x-axis, and further adapted to receive said hose, be made to rotate by said hose, thus converting a motion of said hose, in a direction substantially orthogonal to said x-axis, to a rotation of said pulley, and as a result of said rotation, to an oscillatory motion in ±x directions, between said first and second ends.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein: said shaft further includes first and second threads, running in opposite directions, and communicating between them at said first and second ends, so that an element moving along said first thread, towards said first end, will be transferred to said second thread at said first end, and an element moving along said second thread, towards said second end, will be transferred to said first thread at said second end; and said pulley is annular, having an element with an arched segment, said arched element serving as an internal thread and being adapted for engagement with right-hand and left-hand external threads, so that when said pulley is made to rotate around said shaft, by said hose, said pulley moves in said oscillatory motion, in said ±x directions, between said first and second ends, on said first and second threads.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein said pulley has a patterned surface for creating high friction between said hose and said pulley.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein said pulley has an elastomer surface for creating high friction between said hose and said pulley.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein said pulley has an elastomer and a patterned surface for creating high friction between said hose and said pulley.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein said hose is ribbed and is operative as a toothed belt, and wherein said pulley is adapted to communicate with said ribbed hose, and is operative as a toothed-belt pulley.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein said hose has a patterned surface, and said pulley has a complementary surface, adapted to engage with said hose.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein said hose has a rough surface, for increased friction with said pulley.
 9. A system for evenly winding a hose on a reel, comprising: said reel, having a width along an x-axis, said reel being adapted for rotation, in a direction around said x-axis; a motion provider, in mechanical communication with said reel, for rotating said reel around said x-axis; said hose, having proximal and distal ends, with respect to said reel, wherein said proximal end is attached to said reel, so that said hose is wound on said reel as said reel is rotated by said motion provider; and a device for evenly winding said hose on said reel, comprising: a static shaft, which comprises: a length, along said x-axis; and first and second ends, delimiting said length, between them; and a pulley, adapted to move on said shaft, along said x-axis, and further adapted to receive said hose, be made to rotate by said hose, thus converting a motion of said hose, in a direction substantially orthogonal to said x-axis, to a rotation of said pulley, and as a result of said rotation, to an oscillatory motion in ±x directions, between said first and second ends, so that as said reel is rotated, by said motion provider, said hose is pulled by said reel and is wound on said reel, moving in said direction substantially orthogonal to said x-axis, thus rotating said pulley and causing it to move in said oscillatory motion of said ±x directions, between said first and second ends, wherein said hose, received by the pulley, moves with said pulley in said ±x directions, between said first and second ends, so as to wind on said reel, evenly along said x-axis.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein: said shaft further includes first and second threads, running in opposite directions, and communicating between them at said first and second ends, so that an element moving along said first thread, towards said first end, will be transferred to said second thread at said first end, and an element moving along said second thread, towards said second end, will be transferred to said first thread at said second end; and said pulley is annular, having an element with an arched segment, said arched element serving as an internal thread and being adapted for engagement with right-hand and left-hand external threads, so that when said pulley is made to rotate around said shaft, by said hose, said pulley moves in said oscillatory motion, in said ±x directions, between said first and second ends, on said first and second threads.
 11. The system of claim 9, wherein said pulley has a patterned surface for creating high friction between said hose and said pulley.
 12. The system of claim 9, wherein said pulley has an elastomer surface for creating high friction between said hose and said pulley.
 13. The system of claim 9, wherein said pulley has an elastomer and a patterned surface for creating high friction between said hose and said pulley.
 14. The system of claim 9, wherein said hose is ribbed and is operative as a toothed belt, and wherein said pulley is adapted to communicate with said ribbed hose, and is operative as a toothed-belt pulley.
 15. The system of claim 9, wherein said hose has a patterned surface, and said pulley has a complementary surface, adapted to engage with said hose.
 16. The system of claim 9, wherein said hose has a rough surface, for increased friction with said pulley.
 17. A method for evenly winding a hose on a reel, comprising: providing a system for evenly winding said hose on said reel, which comprises: said reel, having a width along an x-axis, said reel being adapted for rotation, in a direction around said x-axis; a motion provider, in mechanical communication with said reel, for rotating said reel around said x-axis; said hose, having proximal and distal ends, with respect to said reel, wherein said proximal end is attached to said reel, so that said hose is wound on said reel as said reel is rotated by said motion provider; and a device for evenly winding said hose on said reel, comprising: a static shaft, which comprises: a length, along said x-axis; first and second ends, delimiting said length, between them; a pulley, adapted to move on said shaft, along said x-axis, and further adapted to receive said hose, be made to rotate by said hose, thus converting a motion of said hose, in a direction substantially orthogonal to said x-axis, to a rotation of said pulley, and as a result of said rotation, to an oscillatory motion in ±x directions, between said first and second ends; and rotating said reel, thus winding said hose on said reel, causing said pulley to rotate by said hose, and further causing said pulley to move in said oscillatory motion of said ±x directions, between said first and second ends, wherein said hose, received by the pulley, moves with said pulley in said ±x directions, between said first and second ends, so as to wind on said reel, evenly along said x-axis.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein: said shaft further includes first and second threads, running in opposite directions, and communicating between them at said first and second ends, so that an element moving along said first thread, towards said first end, will be transferred to said second thread at said first end, and an element moving along said second thread, towards said second end, will be transferred to said first thread at said second end; and said pulley is annular, having an element with an arched segment, said arched element serving as an internal thread and being adapted for engagement with right-hand and left-hand external threads, so that when said pulley is made to rotate around said shaft, by said hose, said pulley moves in said oscillatory motion, in said ±x directions, between said first and second ends, on said first and second threads.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein said pulley has a patterned surface for creating high friction between said hose and said pulley.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein said pulley has an elastomer surface for creating high friction between said hose and said pulley. 